Device for creating and delivering a cleaning foam



J, R. DORMAN June 7, 193a.

DEVICE FOR CREATING ANDDELIVERING A CLEANING FO AM Filed Aug. 24. 1936 Willa ATTORNEY! Patented June 7, 1938 PATENT FFICE DIVICE FOR CREATING AND DELIVERING A CLEANING FOAM JackR. Dorman, Cincinnati, Ohio Application August 24, 1936, Serial No. 97,606

4 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of cleaning fabrics or surfaces and a device for this purpose and is particularly directed to a-device for creaw.

ing and delivering acleaning material in the form of foam.

It is the object of this invention to provide a device for creating foam, for use in cleaning, wherein a detergent solution is converted, as needed, into myriads of bubbles, infinite in size,

delivered in the form of a rich creamy foam having a very fine texture and, therefore, capable of being spread over a large area, readily penetrating to and absorbing the dirt in the fabric.

It is a further object to provide a device for i5 creating and dispensing foam to be used in cleaning operations; wherein air, as delivered to the detergent solution for creating bubbles, is initially completely dispersed in all directions instead of being delivered in a single stream, for more readily iJ forming bubbles; wherein, the pressure developing in the bubbles over the detergent solution is increased sufliciently for forcing the solution in the form of bubbles through a nozzle; wherein the bubble solution is further acted on in the nozzle for multiplying the bubbles by breaking the same into myriads of smaller bubbles thus creating a foam having a fine texture easily penetrating the fabric to which it is applied and; wherein, the

solution is'multiplied in volume many times for more ready application to the fabric by the use of oxygen from the air, the oxygen functioning as carriers in the form of minute portions for more readily entering the weave of the fabric.

It is a further object to provide a foam creat- 5 ing and dispensing device which is extremely simple and easily operated without instruction, which is extremely light and, therefore, easily portable, and, which can be attached to any source of air, whether it is from a reserve supply or is created by other devices in household use.

Otherobjects and further advantages will be more fully apparent from a description of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the foam creating device of this invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2, Fig. l, disclosing the'internal details of the device.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 3-3, Fig. 2, illustrating the baflle structure at the base of thetube disposed in the solution for delivering air thereto.

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the air delivery tube.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5, Fig. 2, showing the details of the .nozzle screens through which the bubbles are converted intofoam.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on line 66,

Fig. 5, furtherillustrating one of the screens in the nozzle of the device.

' Figure '7 is a sectional viewtaken similar to section 2 illustrating a modified form of air supply means and a check valve arranged at the bottom of the delivery tube.

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8, Fig. 7, showing an enlarged detail of the valve mechanism at the base of the delivery tube.

In the present concept, apparatus is provided for producing a very efficient foam for cleaning fabrics. The device delivers a creamy foam, which consists of myriads of bubbles small in size which penetrate the innermost recesses of the deepest nap or closest weave, penetrating to and absorbing foreign substances and restoring the fabric to its original appearance. The solution is multiplied in volume many times by utilizing oxygen from the air.

In any embodiment contemplated herein, immediate delivery of foam is possible. The liquid is delivered to the fabric in the form of very rich foam, closely akin to a cream. It is spread even- 1y over the surface to be cleaned, by means of I a damp, clean sponge. It is then massaged gently into the fabric and thereafter wiped away with a clean sponge or cloth. The material can be used for cleaning articles of leather, walls, floors and wood work, linoleum, or any paintedor varnished surface.

In the structures disclosed in the drawing, the air is delivered by means of a hand or power pump, or from a pressure head previously placed in reserve. This air proceeds under pressure through a tube which is immersed in the deter gent solution, and which opens, preferably, at the bottom of the dispenser. As the air passes into the liquid and rises to the surface thereof, it breaks up into portions which become encased in sacs or cysts of cleaning fluid, and creates bubbles of ,all .sizes in the chamber above the solution and adjacent the outlet of the device.

As delivery of air continues, the bubbles accumulate to create a pressure which forces them through the nozzle of the device for use on the fabric or material to be cleaned. The nozzle in-v cludes a multiplicity of screens through which the bubbles must pass. The screens are effective for breaking the bubbles to create smaller bubbles which are almost microscopic, so that a foam which has a very fine texture and yet is heavily ladened with oxygen is created.

Referring to one embodiment of the invention .see Figures 1 and 6 of the drawing) the device consists essentially of a receptacle l0, a head II for the jar, an air pump I2, and an air delivery tube 3 depending into the jar. A nozzle I4 is provided on the head for delivery of the foam. The container l0, as shown in the drawing, includes screw threads l5 and a shoulder |8. The closure head includes a sealing cover portion l1, which provides internal screw threads for engaging those on the jar. A gasket or seal ring I8 is disposed between the lower edge of the sealing cover and the lip of the jar to provide an. airtight joint.

A boss l9 rises above the cover portion of the head and includes laterally projected portions 20-20 extending from opposite sides; One of these lateral extensions is externally screw threaded to receive the air pump l2, and the 'municates with the delivery tube l3 extending into the solution. The inlet passageway 2| has a right angle portion, communicating with the valve chamber, which provides a location for check valve 23.

The check valve consists of a ball valve seated by means of a spring 24 compressed between the ball and the opposite end of the chamber of the valve. The valve seat 25 is screwed into the internal portion of the valve chamber and includes central passageway through which'air is admitted to the valvepchamber and the jar.

The air delivery tube I3 is screwed into the inlet passageway and has its lower end flared outwardly to provide a disc 26 for supporting a baffle carrier ring 21. The ring carries a screen 28 fastened marginally to an internal flange 29 thereof. Another internal flange 30, around the upper edge of the ring, lies upon the upper marginal edge of the tube and is welded or soldered thereto. A bailie element'Sl in the 'form of a button is secured centrally on the screen in axial line with the tube, causing diffusion of the air stream in all directions so that the air spreads over a greater area as it.enters the fluid. The

-39 in the usual manner. The cylinder includes an intake aperture 32A at its rear end.

For use in cleaning, the foam dispenser is supplied with the proper solution for producing a cleansing foam. As the pump is manipulated, it

- forces air into the check valve chamber and down the delivery tube'. The check valve prevents the sucking of solution into the pump on the back strokes of the pump and seals the air pressure under the receptacle. Since the screen is of fine mesh and in view of the baflle, the air is broken solution.

Pressure, generated by the pump, packs the bubbles in the space and forces them upwardly through the passageway 22 to the nozzle M. The I nozzle is in the form of a cylindrical shell 40 or v cartridge screwed into the counterbored chamber at the discharge end of the outlet passageway which is directed downwardly for convenience in delivery. The cylindrical body of the nozzle has an internal lip 4| at its'outer end. A series of fine mesh screen discs 42 are placed in the nozzle body, each screen being spaced from the next and held in place by means of retainer rings 43. The retainer rings are frlctionally engaged against the inner side of the cylindrical body.

As the foam is discharged through the nozzle, it is forced through the minute openings of the screens, breaking down the larger bubbles, multiplying the number of bubbles, and resulting in myriads of minute bubbles which reduce the substance from a bubble like mixture to a creamy and foamy consistency, that is readily delivered from the nozzle as a result of the pressure which constantly rises within the head of the jar. The

nozzle assembly is easily removed for convenience in cleaning, when it becomes clogged, or when it' is being adjusted to suit operating conditions.

The dispenser is primarily directed to uses in household cleaning, since it is of special advantage in cleaning rugs, tapestries, upholstery, etc.,

without necessitating removal of the object from the room. The consistency ofthe foam is such that it quickly penetrates to and dissolves the soil without requiring a great deal of time or the The dispenser shownin Figures 7 and 8, is the same as that heretofore discussed, with the exception of the pump, the diffusion means, and

the check valve. The head includes a handle 44 secured to the closure head in the same manner as the pump. A bore 45 extends longitudinally of the handle and has an air hose 46 connected to its outer'end by means of a coupling 41. A"

normally closed spring trigger valve 48 is located in the bore midway thereof for controlling the passage of air. This trigger valve is placed on the side of the inclined handle which is toward the jar, where it can be engaged by the index finger. Pressure on the head of the valveopens the valve, and the air can then flow through the passageway to the air delivery tube l3. The air hose may be connected to a compressed air supply in cases where its use permits, such as in garages and cleaning establishments. It can also -be,operated in thehome by attachments to other household devices which provide air under pressure.

As shown in this form, the. check valve is at the base of the delivery tube. It consists of a valve 49 urged against a shoulder 50 formed by an internal counterbore by means of coil spring 5| under compression. The base of the spring 5| is engaged against an internal lip 52 of the tube. The clearance around the valve, as the air forces it from its set, is very slight, so that the valve vibrates and the air stream coming through is broken or dispersed so as to pass into the fluid in all directions. Accordingly, it will be apparent that the valve element 49 operates not only as a check against both the intake of solution into the tube, when a pump is used, and

back pressure but also as a means for breaking p the air stream as it enters the solution.

Having described my invention, I claim: 1. A foam creating device comprising a head including a handle and a discharge nozzle, a receptacle for detergent solution supported on the head, said nozzle in communication with the entire space above the detergent solution, an air of serially arranged screens and the air delivery conduit including means at its lower end within the solution for breaking and diifusing the air stream whereby bubbles are created and delivered to the entire space above the detergent solution and forced through the nozzle, the screens of thenozzle being effective for breaking the bubbles into minute bubbles and creating a foam;

2. A foam creating device, comprising, a head,

a discharge nozzle thereon, a receptacle for detergent solution supported on the head,said nozzle in communication with the entire space above the detergent solution, a' conduit for supplying air under pressure to'the bottom of said receptacle, the air delivery conduit including a check valve at its lower end within the solution, means for normally maintaining said check valve in seated position, said means active. at a pressure substantially the same as'but slightly lower than pressure applied to the valve for unseating the same, said'valve vibratingwhen unseated and acting to break the air stream whereby it is spread into the solution and bubbles are created above the solution and forced through the nozzle, said nozzle including meansfor breaking the bubbles into myriads of smaller bubbles and thereby creating foam.

- 3. A device for creating foam comprising a head including a discharge nozzle andan air delivery means, a receptacle for detergent solution supported on said head, said nozzle disposed in direct communicationwith the entire upper region of the receptacle for the detergent solution, a conduit extending from the air de-.

.livery means in thehead to the bottom of the receptacle, said air delivery conduit including a flared lower end having ascreen in the flared portion'thereof, and a baille disposed centrally of the screen in alignment with the tube whereby air delivered through the tube into the solution"- 7 is diffused as, it strikes the baflle causing agitation of the detergent solution and the formation 'of bubbles-in the entire region above the solution for delivery through'the nozzle. I 4. A foam creating device comprising a head including a discharge nozzle and an air supply means, a receptacle for detergent solution supported on said head and having its entire upper portion in communication with the nozzle, an air delivery conduit extending from the head approximately to the bottom of the receptacle and in communication with the air supply means, a removable cartridge of spaced screens disposed therein, said cartridge mounted in the nozzle,

and said air delivery conduit including means at its lower end within the detergent solution for breaking and spreading the air stream whereby vbubbles are created above the detergent solution and fill the entire space above the detergent solution, the screens of the nozzle being effective for breaking the bubbles into smaller bubbles and creating a foam as the bubbles pass therethrough.

can. DORMAN. 

